Ismail al-Jazari
A Muslim polymath, inventor, mechanical engineer, artisan, artist, and mathematician who is best known for writing 'The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices'.
Most quoted
"The purpose of this book is to explain the construction of various kinds of ingenious devices, and to describe their operation in detail, so that others may be able to construct them."
— from Kitāb fī maʿrifat al-ḥiyal al-handasiyya (Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices)
"The elephant clock is not merely a timepiece; it is a gathering of the world's wisdom: Indian elephant, Greek water works, Egyptian phoenix, Persian carpets, and Arab ingenuity."
— from The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices, 1206
"To truly understand a mechanism, one must not only observe its function but also comprehend the principles that govern its operation, for these principles are universal."
— from The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices
All quotes by Ismail al-Jazari (422)
I've built machines that pour wine, and machines that wash hands. One is clearly more appreciated than the other.
If at first you don't succeed, document your failures thoroughly. Future engineers will thank you.
My automata are not alive, but they certainly have more personality than some of the courtiers I've encountered.
The most complex part of any machine is often the human operating it.
I design for efficiency, not for the amusement of those who prefer to watch things break.
A well-oiled machine is a happy machine. A poorly oiled machine is a source of endless frustration and noise.
They say my designs are ahead of their time. Perhaps, or perhaps others are simply behind.
I've spent years perfecting the art of making water do exactly what I tell it to. Humans, not so much.
My elephant clock is a marvel. It tells time, and occasionally, it makes people jump.
To understand the world, one must first understand how to make a gear turn another gear.
I don't just build machines; I build conversations. And sometimes, arguments.
The beauty of engineering is that even when it fails, it teaches you something new.
My designs are not for the faint of heart, nor for those who fear a little splashing.
Some people see a problem. I see an opportunity for a new mechanism.
They ask if my inventions are practical. I ask if their lives are practical without them.
I prefer the company of my gears and levers; they are far more predictable than people.
The only thing more satisfying than a perfectly functioning machine is the look on someone's face when they realize how it works.
My machines are not just for utility; they are also for reminding people that the world is full of wonders, if you bother to look.
I've built a robot band. They play in perfect harmony, which is more than I can say for some human musicians.
To innovate is to be misunderstood, at least until your invention becomes indispensable.
Contemporaries of Ismail al-Jazari
Other Engineerings born within 50 years of Ismail al-Jazari (1136–1206).